Ghats of Varanasi
The holy land of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh; also referred to as Banares and Kashi, is the most famous pilgrimage spot for Hindus for hundreds of years. Known as the oldest city, Varanasi is visited by Hindus for the peace of mind and soul and to wash away all the sins. It is the Ghats of River Ganga in Varanasi that complement the concept of divinity.
A Ghat is a series of steps leading down to the river. Varanasi has nearly 100 Ghats, whose steps are leading to the banks of River Ganges. Ghats of Ganga are perhaps the holiest spots of Varanasi. These Ghats are full of pilgrims who come to the place to take a dip in the holy Ganges which is believed to wash away all the sins. It is at the Ghats of Ganga where we Life and Death can be seen together.
Different kinds of people with different reasons, different thoughts and purpose of their visit are seen at the Ghats. If one thinks of spending a day at the Ghats, various kinds of activities can be witnessed. But by the evening, everyone has just one purpose, the ‘Ganga Aarti’ (prayer). Every evening a large aarti (prayer) called as ‘Ganga Aarti’ is performed at the main Ghat - Dasaswamedh Ghat.
There are number of temples on the banks of Ganga. Among which ‘Kashi Vishwanath Temple’, dedicated to Lord Shiva is the most famous one. Situated in Gadauliya, near Dasaswamedh Ghat, it is also a tourist place where people come to rest in peace and feel the spirituality in the air.
Some of the popular Ghats at Varanasi are the Assi Ghat, Dasaswamedh, Manikarnika, Tulsi and Panchganga Ghats among others.
